Summary of "The Core of Testing – Dynamic Testing Process – According to ISO 29119"
Summary
The webinar titled “The Core of Testing – Dynamic Testing Process – According to ISO 29119” presented by Annie Metas, Principal Consultant at NNIT Denmark, provides an in-depth overview of dynamic software testing processes based on the ISO 29119 standard. The session focuses on practical guidance for testers on how to approach testing activities systematically and effectively within different software development models.
Key Technological Concepts and Product Features
ISO 29119 Standard
The webinar centers around the ISO 29119 software testing standard, emphasizing its structure and how it applies to dynamic testing processes. Annie Metas has been involved in the ISO 29119 working group for six years and provides insider insights into the standard.
Testing in Development Models
The discussion covers how testing fits into various software development methodologies, including:
- Sequential (Waterfall)
- Iterative/Evolutionary
- Agile (continuous cycles and sprints)
Testing is described as a subordinate support process dependent on the development lifecycle.
Dynamic vs. Static Testing
The webinar focuses on dynamic testing—executing tests and observing behavior—distinguishing it from static testing (such as reviews and checklists). Dynamic testing activities include:
- Test design and implementation
- Test environment setup
- Test execution
- Incident reporting (linked to change/configuration management)
Test Subprocesses
Various subprocesses are explained as examples of test subprocesses that include both static and dynamic testing elements, such as:
- Performance testing
- Component testing
- Functional system testing
- Acceptance testing
Test Basis
The foundation for testing is the test basis, which includes:
- Requirements
- User stories
- Use cases
- Functional and non-functional requirements
- Business rules
- Standards
- Design documents
- Tester experience (for exploratory testing)
Importantly, code should never be the test basis because it reflects implementation rather than expected behavior.
Test Planning and Management
The webinar emphasizes the importance of planning, monitoring, controlling, and adapting test activities. The mantra highlighted is:
“If you don’t plan, you plan to fail.”
Dynamic Testing Process Details
The core activities of dynamic testing covered are:
-
Test Design
- Dividing the test item into manageable feature sets (logical subsets, e.g., login, earning points, navigation, error handling).
- Deriving test conditions from feature sets (specific aspects or functions to be tested).
- Identifying test coverage items (measurable attributes to confirm coverage, e.g., equivalence partitions, decision table combinations).
- Creating test cases that describe inputs, expected results, and conditions.
-
Test Implementation
- Assembling test cases into test sets and ordering them into test procedures for execution.
- Ensuring the test environment and test data meet the requirements for executing tests.
Test Case Design Techniques
Three categories of test case design techniques are introduced:
-
Specification-based: Examples include equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision tables.
-
Structure-based: Examples include statement, branch, and path testing.
-
Experience-based: Examples include error guessing and checklist-based testing.
Execution and Result Evaluation
Test execution should follow the test procedure strictly to ensure repeatability and comparability. Actual results are compared with expected results to determine pass/fail status. Failures lead to incident reports, which are critical especially in safety-critical systems.
Iterative Nature of Test Design and Execution
The process is iterative, involving continuous refinement of test cases and environment setup, inspired by models like Paul Gerrard’s test design model.
Integration with Exploratory Testing
Structured testing outcomes inform exploratory testing, which complements and enhances the overall testing effort.
Guides, Tutorials, and Resources Mentioned
- An ebook extract from a larger book on ISO 29119 testing processes will be released next month on Test Huddle, offering a deeper dive into the topics covered.
- Upcoming webinars and additional resources related to software testing and quality assurance are promoted for continued learning.
Main Speaker
- Annie Metas – Principal Consultant at NNIT Denmark, expert in ISO 29119 and software testing processes.
Moderator
- Derek – Webinar host facilitating the session and discussion.
This webinar serves as a comprehensive tutorial and guide for testers seeking to understand and apply the ISO 29119 dynamic testing process within various software development frameworks, emphasizing structured test design, implementation, and execution with practical examples.
Category
Technology
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